Grand Valley State University is reacting to the demand from employers
for sustainable skill sets in graduates by offering a unique
certification program in green chemistry. Grand Valley is one of a few
universities in the U.S., including the University of California
Berkeley, to offer the opportunity to become certified in green
chemistry.

“More and more, companies are seeking employees
with sustainable skills that complement any job,” said Dalila Kovacs,
Grand Valley chemistry professor and creator of the green chemistry
certification program. “Being certified in green chemistry will bring
in-house expertise and life-cycle thinking to companies hiring people
for many different fields and industries.”

Kovacs said green
chemistry practices are increasingly seen in the health care industry
and can be applied to many professions in product development, patent
law, quality management, safety management, and health and environmental
management. “Green chemistry includes long-term thinking, and
researching and producing chemicals that are not toxic and not harmful
in the long run,” she said.

Shane McGrath, a 2011
undergraduate alumnus who is currently attending Grand Valley for a
master’s degree in business, was the first student to complete the
program and currently works as a chemist for Perrigo. He became
certified after completing three classes and conducting green chemistry
research. “Being certified in green chemistry set me apart from others
when I was building my resume and interviewing for jobs,” he said. “I’m a
chemist with a new sustainable skill set that the job market rarely
sees.”

Kovacs said Grand Valley alumni, current students and
community members can apply for the program. If all prerequisites are
met, the program can be completed in one year.